Goodwin
Goodwin is an earth dam located in Hartford County, Connecticut, built in 1960. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Goodwin
The primary purpose of Goodwin is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Metropolitan District Of Hartford (local government). It impounds the West Branch Farmington River near Riverton.
The dam stands 125 feet tall and stretches 1,720 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 220 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 8,532 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 120 square miles. Completed in 1960, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/29/2022.
At 125 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Connecticut dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Connecticut |
| County | Hartford |
| Nearest City | Riverton |
| River/Stream | West Branch Farmington River |
| Coordinates | 41.98920, -73.02010 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 125 ft |
| Dam Height | 125 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,720 ft |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 8,532 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 8,532 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8,532 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 220 acres |
| Drainage Area | 120 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 188,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Metropolitan District of Hartford |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/29/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00541 |
| Federal ID | CT00541 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |